Available languages
11 hours
Mobile ticket
Charyn Canyon is often compared to the Grand Canyon in the USA, although it is smaller in size, it is not inferior in beauty. It is about 12 million years old and is a veritable encyclopedia of geology. The colorful rocks and bizarre shapes of the rocks were formed due to millions of years of erosion and the movement of waters.
Charyn Canyon is one of the most impressive natural wonders of Kazakhstan, located about 200 km east of Almaty. This natural monument stretches along the Charyn River for 154 kilometers, striking with its unique beauty and geological diversity.
The main attraction of the canyon is the “Valley of Castles", a section about 2 km long, where the rocks resemble bizarre architectural structures. These shapes, created by wind, water and time, amaze the imagination and create the feeling of walking through an ancient stone city.
Charyn Canyon is a place where nature tells its story, written by wind, water and time.
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Another 3 hours travellers will spent in the car
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
be offered a different date or a full refund This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
National parks entrance fees
Bottled water
English speaking guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Lunch box
Select a pickup point
Charyn Canyon
07:00 pick-up 08:30 WC stop 10:00-12:20 Walking inside the canyon, taking pictures, reaching the Charyn river 12:20-13:00 Lunch boxes
Canyon Aktogay
13:30-14:00 Black canyon stop (view point)
Pickup included
6 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Stephen Y,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
It was truly a great experience to have to travel the distance to see the Charyn Csnyon, despite weather conditions were not perfect. Our guide Kassym provided us with a lot of information and interesting facts about the Canyon as he walked down with us from start to finish. I can only say that job well done!
Astrid S,
Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
We were a group of 8 people. Assem explained everything in detail and always helped us. During the hike into Charyn Canyon, she talked to each person once. She was very devoted, friendly and infinitely helpful. Def Charyn was the highlight of the tour. But Moon and Black Canyon are also worth seeing. It was spectacular for us because a thunderstorm was approaching and really discharged at Black Canyon. With rain and a glorious sky! Great tour I can only recommend to anyone! Great.
andreascU8408DY,
Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Kazakhstan very nice is a fantastic tour operator. They answer mails quickly and professionally. The tour was well organized. The lunch at a local family's house was a bonus.
Stefano C,
Apr 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Kassym was an excellent tour guide and travel buddy. Very friendly and professional, and went out of his way to show us the beautiful Charyn canyons. The car was very comfortable and clean and the lunch on the way back at the little restaurant was fabulous. Can totally recommend him as a tour guide.





Castro040719,
Apr 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had really fun and nice tour we enjoyed in Charyn Canyon and guide Aya she showed us hidden places and take beautiful pictures We loved this tour

Andrea L,
Aug 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a private-two days experience visiting lakes and canyon. We had fun, enjoying every moment and every spot our guide showed us. We visited the two lakes (Kolsai and Kaindy) on the first day and the Charyn canyon on the second one, staying in a typical Yurta for the night. Everything was perfectly arranged, from the shifts to the tours themselves. It wouldn’t had been the same without Kassym







Operated by Kazakhstan Very Nice